Antish Aubeelock graduated from the University of Exeter in MA Creativity: Innovation & Business Strategy, 2020. He’s currently Program Officer for social enterprise accelerator Trampoline ltée, based in Mauritius.
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Since leaving Exeter in 2020, I joined the UK Government’s Department for International Trade in Mauritius. My role was to encourage private sector-led growth, by protecting and promoting investment and leveraging the strengths of businesses in order to support the poverty reduction, investment and broader economic objectives of Mauritius, as well as supporting the UK’s investment ambitions in Africa.
I then joined Trampoline ltée in 2021, a social enterprise accelerator designed to help passionate entrepreneurs grow sustainable impact businesses. My role consists of supporting the design and implementation of the Impact Accelerator Programme to match the realities of the nascent social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Mauritius.
“My role consists of supporting the design and implementation of the Impact Accelerator Programme to match the realities of the nascent social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Mauritius.”
As a Program Officer, I adopt a tailor-made and agile approach, including working closely with the incubatees, to design value-adding solutions such as consulting services, mentorship programmes, extensive networks, training and funds, based on their needs and challenges.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
My biggest passion is transforming ideas into innovative, value-adding solutions. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Banking & International Finance, and a Master’s Degree in Creativity: Innovation & Business Strategy from the University of Exeter, I am a Chevening Alumnus with five years of experience in product development, business development, and marketing. I enjoy the way I can leverage my professional and academic background, skills and experience to support organisations to innovate and scale their social and environmental impact and become financially sustainable.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
I was particularly attracted to the new, creative and practical approach of learning by doing. My classes were very engaging and interactive, and our assignments were practical. It pushed us beyond our comfort zone and provided a safe space to explore our potential in adopting creativity in business.
“I enjoy the way I can leverage my professional and academic background, skills and experience to support organisations to innovate and scale their social and environmental impact and become financially sustainable.”
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
I enjoyed the following: the course was creative, and practical and had a 1-month compulsory internship programme; the environment is safe and surrounded by nature; the people, lecturers, staff, and students were friendly, helpful and approachable
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
I completed my degree in BSc Banking and International Finance in Mauritius, following which I had three years of professional experience in Digital Product and Innovation. After being honoured with the Chevening Scholarship in 2019, which is one of the most prestigious and competitive international scholarships, I was keen to further enhance my skills and experience in creativity, innovation and business strategy.
I chose the University of Exeter because the MA Creativity: Innovation and Business Strategy was a pioneer programme designed to bring creativity into business, prepare us for a range of careers and enable us to pursue entrepreneurial ventures of our own.
“The following are the key skills that have been very useful in my career: Creative Problem Solving; Strategic Thinking; Project Management; Communication.”
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
During the course, I got the opportunity to network and work with different local UK businesses, including devising their product and strategy. I also got the opportunity to participate in entrepreneur and innovation workshops, which helped me better understand the entrepreneurial journey and the latest innovation methodologies. The following are the key skills that have been very useful in my career: Creative Problem Solving; Strategic Thinking; Project Management; Communication.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Make the most of the lectures, networking and internship opportunities during the programme.